Paul Martin Lange

Paul Martin Lange, 77, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, at Taylor House. He was born on February 4, 1948, in Ottumwa, Iowa, where he grew up and built the foundation of a life centered on family, hard work, and humor.

Paul spent his childhood in Ottumwa with his three younger sisters—Jeanne, Karen, and Marcia. Together, they created countless memories, often finding trouble but doing their best to stay out of it, forming a close bond that lasted a lifetime.

Paul attended Iowa State University, earning a degree in Chemistry. After graduating, he began a successful career in the meat industry, starting in laboratory work and steadily advancing into management. Midway through his career, Paul distinguished himself as someone who could turn struggling companies around. He was respected for his leadership, fairness, and quick wit, and he brought humor and integrity into every workplace he touched.

Although Paul was a successful businessman, his family was always his top priority. His wife, Cindy, was known for planning family vacations, and Paul treasured those trips and the time spent together. He absolutely adored his three granddaughters, Jenna, Paige, and Madison and was beyond thrilled when two grandsons joined the family. He will always be remembered as the “world’s best papa,” forever ready for a thoughtful conversation, a game, or a bit of mischief.

Paul is survived by the family who brought him his greatest joy. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Lou Lange; his daughters, Amanda Garner of Farmington, New Mexico, and Meghan Oldham (Dave Oldham) of Urbandale, Iowa; and his beloved grandchildren, Jenna McGee (Allan McGee), Paige Rhoads (Dakota Rhoads), Madison Ryan (Andrew Ryan), Killian Paul Oldham, and James Martin Oldham. He took great pride in his five grandchildren and was equally blessed by the love of his seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Karen Westercamp (Jim Westercamp) and Jeanne Omvig (Scott Omvig), with whom he shared a lifetime of stories, laughter, and love.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Weidhaus August Lange and Susan Larue Elerick, and by his sister, Marcia Sandvold.

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa.